Gagasan Rakyat leader urges DID to upgrade Tambunan drainage systems

TAMBUNAN (Sept 24): The Tambunan Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID) has been urged to step up cleaning and maintenance works and upgrade drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash floods in Kampung Maras Karas and Kampung Minudong in the Toboh sub-district.

Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tambunan coordinator Datuk Victor P Paut said clogged and inefficient drainage systems were among the factors contributing to flooding in the two villages.

He noted that drains and ditches along the main road were frequently blocked by rubbish, silt and plant debris, preventing surface runoff from flowing smoothly during heavy rain.

“When heavy rain falls, surface runoff cannot flow smoothly into the drains, causing water to overflow onto the roads within a short period.

“Some existing irrigation systems are also outdated and undersized, making them unable to cope with the sudden increase in rainwater volume,” he said during a recent visit to flood victims in the area.

More than 25 houses, involving about 30 families in the two villages, were affected and suffered losses in the recent flooding.

Victor, also the deputy chairman of Sawit Kinabalu and Borneo Samudera, said flooding recurred during heavy rain, with the situation worsening when water overflowed from Sungai Pegalan and obstructed the flow of the local drainage systems.

He urged the Tambunan DID to conduct a comprehensive inspection of drainage systems in flood-prone areas and identify locations requiring upgrading to ensure smoother water flow during heavy rain.

“Maintenance and cleaning works must be carried out regularly, not only after flooding occurs, so that the risk of similar incidents can be reduced, as this area is frequently flooded whenever there is heavy rain,” he stressed.

drainage systems flash floods Irrigation and Drainage Department Kampung Maras Karas Kampung Minudong lead onsite Tambunan Victor P. Paut